Sunday, 29 April 2018

Our visit to Oceans Coffee and Waffle House, Cheddleton

It was the last week day of the Easter holidays, it was wet and cold and we didn't have any plans. So after a morning playing at home, I decided to treat the children to a lunch with a difference! Off we went to one of our favourite local places for a sweet treat, Oceans Coffee and Waffle House, situated in picturesque Cheddleton in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Oceans was only opened in February 2017 by businessman and Castros Restaurant owner, Jamie Bateman, after he noticed a gap in the market. It already has a legion of fans! I remember the "wafflemania" that surrounded its opening and its first few weeks, and I loved seeing all their updates and unique creations on social media!

So as a mum who loves all things cake related, it would only be fair to inflict my sweet-tooth upon the children! We've been a few times and I'm still working my way through their menu, so I thought I'd let you all know a bit about our latest visit.

We arrived to find plenty of parking in the purpose built car park right next to Oceans and Castros. It's always a relief when you find a space, because a full car park usually means a busy waffle house and a wait to find a seat! On a drizzly day like today, we didn't fancy sitting in the outside seating area, although the views of the Caldon canal are fab!

As soon as we entered, we were greeted with a smile and an offer of help to find a table. It was half term and there were a lot of people in, but in preparation for this, the staff had opened up some overflow seating in Castros across the hallway. We actually didn't mind sitting in here as it meant the kids could watch out for any canal boats go by. None did...but it kept their attention anyway! Now to choose what waffle to eat! There are plenty to choose from on the menu, such as The Elvis (think peanut heaven), The Campfire (popcorn, toffee, toasted marshmallows...), The American (bacon and maple syrup) and The Skinny (Greek yogurt and berries). Stanley and Rosie decided on The Oreo - vanilla and chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, crumbled Oreos and chocolate sauce! Needless to say, this was one they were sharing!

If you don't fancy a waffle, there are so many other delicious items on offer such as paninis, pizza breads, jacket potatoes, sausage rolls, pies, salads and baguettes.They have a daily specials board too which usually has a hot meal of some sort, a vegetarian option and a soup. If you want to test out your sweet-tooth, there is a selection of sweet items too, like muffins and brownies and there are also gluten free choices. In fact, Oceans offer gluten free waffles (made in a separate waffle machine) and dairy free ice-cream, so almost everyone is catered for!

I opted for a ham and cheese panini with nachos, coleslaw and side salad. The homemade coleslaw was so creamy, and the panini was not short on fillings, like you find in some places. I didn't have a waffle this time because I knew I'd be needed to help out the kids with theirs!

As you can see, we all enjoyed the waffle between us! The mixture they make always turns out so light and fluffy, and although they are extremely filling, they don't feel heavy in your stomach! However, if you're going for lunch don't be fooled into thinking that the waffle will be for pud! We always have the waffle for our main lunch dish and never have space for much more! If you are a hungry person though, knock yourselves out by making any waffle a double - a 2 waffle stack! You can wash all your goodies down with a large variety of hot and cold drinks or even a special milkshake.

Nothing was too much trouble for the friendly, helpful staff. We needed a highchair and someone gladly fetched one for us. I forgot to pick up cutlery at the till so someone offered to go and get us some so I didn't have to leave the kids at the table. I forgot my baby wipes (argh...total panic!) and Rosie was wearing most of her ice-cream on her chin! Grabbing us extra napkins was no trouble to the young girl that noticed her sticky face. We always enjoy our visits to Oceans! I actually think the prices are reasonable and in line with local competition. If you treat your waffle dish as an average lunch dish that you may get in a cafe, the prices are very similar. It's not the cheapest place to go for coffee and cake if that's what you're after, although there are cheaper options available if you don't want a waffle. But why go to a waffle house if that's not what you want?!

We're very excited to see the new upstairs seating when it is built. It will be fab to have more indoor seating options for the colder days. In the warmer months, it is so pleasant sitting outside by the canal watching out for boats and wildlife. Dogs are welcome outside too which is great for any passing dog walkers - a good excuse for us to take Dottie the Dachshund for a walk by the Caldon canal!

Finding joy in the little things: Both children fell asleep in the car on the way home! Although this meant a later bedtime was probably on the cards, I didn't mind as it meant I got a little quiet time to myself when we got back. This almost never happens anymore so I treated myself to a hot cuppa in peace while the children snoozed together on the sofa. This might not seem like much to some, but in the chaos of a normal day I often forget to find any time to call my own. I know many of you can relate. Sometimes silence really is golden! How do you spend your stolen quiet moments? I'd love to know!**Disclaimer: All opinions in this post are my own. We visited unannounced, paid for our own food and drink and decided to review the venue when we got home!**

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